Sample Essay Hamlet - The Death of King Claudius

Sample Essay Hamlet - The Death of King ClaudiusSample Essay Hamlet is the newest film by Neil LaBute. It is a movie that follows the young King Claudius and his young bride, Ophelia. The film is based on a play by William Shakespeare and is set during the time of Ophelia's birth, and therefore takes place after the death of the King.Throughout the course of the movie, there are certain events that cause Hamlet to lose all sense of himself. Some of these events are by-products of events which occurred prior to his birth, some were caused by his actions while in exile, and some were the consequence of his departure from the court. For example, although he was not present for the accident, his presence causes the King to sell his daughter to a prince who has been exiled from his kingdom for murder.Throughout the course of the film, there are some instances of Hamlet's own behavior which reflects his failure as a king. Although his decision not to accept the betrothal of his daughter to Prince Hamlet results in her being raped by him, the film is more interested in the tragic consequences of this event than the rape itself.As the story progresses, Hamlet becomes increasingly more dejected as the only person he can trust is his friend the King. Because of his shortcomings, the King begins to suspect that Hamlet has knowledge of his own infidelity, and he attempts to get the real King to find out.In order to do this, the King requests that Hamlet get the 'marks' that have been sewn onto Hamlet's face for the past ten years. The marks are tattoos which serve to remind him of his past. Once again, Hamlet becomes confused and does not realize that the King intends to do the deed himself.Eventually, the King comes to realize what Hamlet is trying to do, and he attacks him in his sleep. While Hamlet escapes, his sister is mortally wounded and dies shortly thereafter.In the aftermath of the tragedy, Hamlet asks his companions to prepare a play for his daughter. But when t hey discover that the play is written by Claudius himself, they stop him. The result is the creation of Hamlet in the style of his ancestors, the old English plays.